The Importance of Catch Basins and Storm Drains

By
Essig
|October 27, 2014

One of the worse disasters for homeowners is having a basement or living space flood — it’s about a hundred times worse when that flood comes from your sewer system! Having waste-water in your home is a serious health risk, as sewage often contains the pathogens (disease-carrying bacteria) that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious health concerns.

Don’t risk a sewer backup and flood in your home. You can prevent this by paying attention to the maintenance of your catch basins and storm drains. These devices are integral parts of your sewer system, and if they break or become clogged then your home could be at risk of serious plumbing issues, so check them today!

Catch basins are the pieces of your sewer system that filter debris from entering your pipelines. Without them, trash could enter your main line and create blockages, backups, and even dangerous backflow into your home.

Storm drains are french-style drains (meaning they are embedded in the ground) that do essentially the same job as catch basins, only earlier in the funnel of your sewer main. Your sewage needs to find its way from your fixtures to your drains and eventually the public sewer system — storm drains ensure that flow never becomes blocked.

The following debris pose a risk to your catch basins and storm drains:

Leaves

Rocks

Thick Paper

Plastic Trash

It’s very common in flooded homes to find that these sewer filters had been clogged by debris and weren’t doing their job properly. When that’s the case, it’s time to call in the Essig Plumbing professionals. We’ll inspect your sewer lines for blockages and make sure that your ready for any size rainstorm. Don’t risk a destructive flood or messy sewer backup — call Essig for drain cleaning service today!